The Forty Hadiths of al-Nawawi
On the authority of al-Nawwas Ibn Sam'an, may Allah be pleased with him,
who reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
"Righteousness is good character, and sin is that which wavers in your soul
and which you dislike for people to discover."
Narrated by Muslim.
And on the authority of Wabisa Ibn Ma'bad, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:
"I came to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him,
and he said:
'Have you come to ask about righteousness?'
I replied, 'Yes.'
He said:
'Consult your heart.
Righteousness is that which brings tranquility to the soul and peace to the heart,
while sin is that which wavers in the soul and causes hesitation in the chest.'"
True righteousness is good character and that which brings peace and stability to the heart.
Meanwhile, sin is that which causes inner turmoil and the fear of being exposed before people.
The sincere believer turns to his sound heart and to that which pleases Allah in all his actions.
This hadith cultivates self-vigilance and the abandonment of doubtful matters.
It encourages holding fast to virtuous character that unites the rectitude of the inner self with the goodness of outward conduct.